U.S. patent application number 12/439920 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-12 for control apparatus for taking out ice of refrigerator and method thereof.
Invention is credited to Mi-Son Ahn, Kyung-Ah Choi, Young-shin Park, Chang-Woo Song, Ki-Cheol Woo.
Application Number | 20100204832 12/439920 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39157412 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100204832 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Choi; Kyung-Ah ; et
al. |
August 12, 2010 |
CONTROL APPARATUS FOR TAKING OUT ICE OF REFRIGERATOR AND METHOD
THEREOF
Abstract
The present invention relates to a control apparatus for taking
out ice of a refrigerator and a method thereof. The present
invention includes an input unit for inputting the amount of ice to
be taken out; and a taking-out unit for taking out the ice
corresponding to the amount inputted to the input unit.
Inventors: |
Choi; Kyung-Ah;
(Gyeongsangnam-Do, KR) ; Ahn; Mi-Son;
(Gyeongsangnam-do, KR) ; Song; Chang-Woo;
(Gyeongsangnam-do, KR) ; Park; Young-shin;
(Gyeongsangnam-do, KR) ; Woo; Ki-Cheol;
(Gyeongsangnam-do, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
39157412 |
Appl. No.: |
12/439920 |
Filed: |
September 4, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
September 4, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR07/04251 |
371 Date: |
March 4, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/275 ; 62/137;
62/344 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F25C 5/187 20130101;
F25D 2400/361 20130101; F25C 2400/10 20130101; F25C 5/22 20180101;
F25C 2600/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/275 ; 62/137;
62/344 |
International
Class: |
G05B 15/00 20060101
G05B015/00; F25C 1/00 20060101 F25C001/00; F25C 5/18 20060101
F25C005/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 4, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0084695 |
Sep 20, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0091336 |
Sep 20, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0091337 |
Sep 28, 2006 |
KR |
10-2006-0094792 |
Claims
1. A control apparatus for taking out ice of a refrigerator
comprising: an input unit for inputting the amount of ice to be
taken out; and a taking-out unit for taking out the ice
corresponding to the amount inputted to the input unit.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the input unit comprises: a
taking-out amount setting button for setting the amount of ice to
be taken out; and a taking-out time duration setting button for
setting the time duration for taking out the ice.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control unit for
controlling the input unit and the taking-out unit.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the taking-out unit comprises:
an output unit for outputting the ice to a withdrawal opening
formed at the outer surface of the refrigerator body; and a sensing
unit for sensing the number of ice passing through the output
unit.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the control unit compares the
amount of the ice inputted to the input unit with the number of the
ice sensed through the sensing unit, and then controls for the ice
to be taken out based on the comparison result.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the output unit is formed to
have a planar sectional area larger than the largest area of one
piece of ice by a preset value so that the ice can be sequentially
passed one by one.
7. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the output unit further
comprises an opening/closing unit for opening/closing the output of
the ice at a portion adjacent to the withdrawal opening.
8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the sensing unit comprises at
least one first light-emitting unit and a second light-receiving
unit disposed on a wall of the output unit to face each other so as
to transmit/receive infrared signals to each other.
9. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising an ice-making unit
for making and storing ice after receiving water, and for detecting
the stored amount of ice.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the ice-making unit
comprises: an ice maker for making ice from water by cool air and
separating it; an ice storing unit for storing the ice separated
from the ice maker; an ice moving unit for moving the separated ice
to the ice storing unit; and an ice amount detecting unit for
detecting the amount of ice stored in the ice storing unit.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the input unit further
comprises an ice amount setting button for inputting the amount of
ice so as to set the amount of ice stored in the ice storing
unit.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the ice amount detecting
unit comprises at least one second light-emitting unit and a second
light-receiving unit disposed on a wall of the output unit to face
each other so as to transmit/receive infrared signals to each
other.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the ice amount detecting
unit comprises at least one third light-emitting unit and a third
light-receiving unit disposed on a wall of the output unit to face
each other so as to transmit/receive infrared signals to each
other.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a display unit
for displaying the amount of ice to be taken out, which is inputted
through the input unit.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the display unit displays
the amount of ice detected through the ice amount detecting
unit.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the display unit further
comprises an alarming unit for providing whether or not the ice
storing unit is filled with ice to a user.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the alarming unit is
implemented as a lamp lighted when the ice storing unit is filled
with ice.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the alarming unit is an
alarm generating unit generating an alarm sound when the ice
storing unit is filled with ice.
19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the control unit controls an
operation of the ice-making unit according to the inputted amount
of ice or whether or not the ice storing unit is filled with
ice.
20. A control apparatus for taking out ice of a refrigerator
comprising: an input unit for inputting the amount of ice to be
taken out; a taking-out unit for taking out the ice corresponding
to the amount inputted to the input unit; a control unit for
controlling the input unit and the taking-out unit; an ice-making
unit for generating ice by controlling of the control unit; a state
information storage unit for storing at least one information
between the inputted amount for taking out and the amount of ice
generated by the ice-making unit; and a display unit for displaying
information stored in the state information storage unit.
21. A control method for taking out ice of a refrigerator
comprising: inputting the amount of ice to be taken out; and taking
out the ice corresponding to the inputted amount.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of inputting the
amount of ice to be taken further comprises inputting a time
duration for taking out the ice.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of taking out the ice
comprises: outputting the ice to a withdrawal opening formed at an
outer surface of the refrigerator; detecting the number of ice
passing through the withdrawal opening; and comparing the inputted
number of ice for taking out with the detected number of ice, and
controlling an operation for taking out the ice, based on the
comparison result.
24. The method of claim 21, further comprising making ice after
receiving water and storing it, and detecting the stored amount of
ice.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of making ice
comprises: making the ice by a cool air and separating it; storing
the separated ice; detecting the stored amount of ice; and
displaying the detected amount of ice.
26. The method of claim 24, further comprising inputting the amount
of ice from the user so as to determine the amount of ice to be
stored.
27. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of displaying alarms
whether or not the ice is full by lighting a lamp.
28. The method of claim 25, wherein the step of displaying alarms
whether or not the ice is full by generating an alarm sound.
29. A control method for taking out ice of a refrigerator
comprising: generating and storing ice by controlling of a control
unit; inputting the amount of ice to be taken out; taking out the
ice corresponding to the inputted amount; sensing the amount of ice
taken out; comparing the inputted amount of ice for taking out with
the sensed amount of ice, and determining whether or not the ice is
to be taken based on the comparison result.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein if the sensed amount of ice is
less than the inputted amount of ice for taking out as a result of
the comparison, the ice is continuously taken out until two values
are same each other by controlling of the control unit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more
particularly, to a control apparatus for taking out ice made in a
refrigerator and a method thereof.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Generally, a refrigerator has an ice maker disposed in a
freezing chamber for making ice. And, the ice made in the ice maker
is transferred to a dispenser disposed at a door of the freezing
chamber, and then taken out according to selecting by a user.
[0003] However, a related art refrigerator has a problem that the
user cannot check whether or not an ice storage box is filled with
the ice, and to check this, the user should see the inside with the
naked eye by opening a door of the refrigerator.
[0004] Further, the related art refrigerator has another problem
that the refrigerator cannot stop making ice by sensing with a
sensor when the ice storage box is filled with the ice, and make
and store the ice as much as wanted by the user.
[0005] Further, the related art refrigerator has the other problem
that the refrigerator cannot provide fresh ice with the user, which
is caused by taking out the ice stored in the ice storage box for a
long time, because the refrigerator has made too much ice more than
needed and stored it.
[0006] Further, the related art refrigerator has the other problem
that the ice is made until the ice storage box is filled with the
ice, accordingly wasting power source.
[0007] Further, the related art refrigerator has the other problem
that when pressing a button for taking out the ice, a certain
amount of ice is taken out according to the time duration or times
pushing the button, accordingly the user cannot take out the ice in
an accurate number, rather more ice than needed.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0008] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
described herein, there is provided a control apparatus for taking
out ice of a refrigerator which is capable of taking out ice
corresponding to the amount inputted by a user, and a method
thereof.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
control apparatus for taking out ice of a refrigerator which is
capable of making and separating ice after receiving water, and
then detecting the amount of the separated ice so that the detected
amount is displayed, and a method thereof.
[0010] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
a control apparatus for taking out ice of a refrigerator which is
capable of displaying whether or not the ice is full for a user
when an ice storing unit is filled with the separated ice, and a
method thereof.
Technical Solution
[0011] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control
apparatus for taking out ice of a refrigerator, the control
apparatus comprising: an input unit for inputting the amount of ice
to be taken out; and a taking-out unit for taking out the ice
corresponding to the amount inputted to the input unit.
[0012] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a
control method for taking out ice of a refrigerator, the method
comprising: inputting the amount of ice to be taken out; and taking
out the ice corresponding to the inputted amount.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a
control apparatus for taking out ice of a refrigerator in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view and a partially enlarged
view showing the refrigerator of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a lateral view showing the refrigerator having a
taking-out unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a lateral view showing the refrigerator having an
ice-making unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged view showing the ice-making
unit in accordance with the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a control method for taking
out ice of a refrigerator in accordance with a first embodiment of
the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a control method for taking
out ice of a refrigerator in accordance with a second embodiment of
the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a control method for taking
out ice of a refrigerator in accordance with a third embodiment of
the present invention.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0021] The preferred embodiments for a control apparatus for taking
out ice of a refrigerator which is capable of taking out ice, based
on the amount and/or time duration for taking out the ice, which is
inputted by a user, and a method thereof, will be described in
detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a
control apparatus for taking out ice of a refrigerator which is
capable of taking out ice, based on the amount and/or time duration
for taking out the ice, which is inputted by a user.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the control apparatus for taking out ice
of the refrigerator includes an input unit 100 for inputting the
amount and/or time duration for taking out the ice by a user; a
taking-out unit 200 for taking out the ice based on the amount
and/or time duration for taking out the ice, which is inputted to
the input unit 100; an ice-making unit 300 for making and
separating the ice after receiving water and for detecting the
amount of the separated ice; a state information storage unit 400
for storing the amount and/or time duration for taking out the ice,
which is inputted through the input unit 100, and the amount of ice
detected through the ice-making unit 300, respectively, and a
display unit 500 for displaying; and a control unit 600 for
controlling an overall operation of the taking-out amount input
unit 100, the taking-out unit 200, the ice-making unit 300, and the
state information storage unit 400 and the display unit 500.
[0024] The input unit 100, as shown in FIG. 2, is disposed at one
side of outer surface of a refrigerator body 1 together with the
taking-out unit 200 and the display unit 500.
[0025] Further, the input unit 100 includes a taking-out amount
setting button 110 for setting the amount of ice to be taken out by
inputting of the user, and a taking-out time duration setting
button 120 for setting the time duration by inputting of the user.
Also, the input unit 100 further includes a setting completion
button 130 for completing the setting of the amount and time
duration for taking out the ice, which is inputted through the
taking-out amount setting button 110 and the taking-out time
duration setting button 120.
[0026] Further, the taking-out amount setting button 110 may be
configured to be directly inputted by the user with respect to the
amount of ice to be taken through a touch screen or a keypad.
[0027] Further, the taking-out amount setting button 110 may be
implemented as an up/down button so as to increase or decrease the
number of ice inputted whenever the up/down button is clicked.
[0028] Further, the input unit 100 may be further provided with an
ice amount setting button 140 for setting the number of ice
generated through the ice-making unit 300.
[0029] Further, the input unit 100 may further include a microphone
(not shown) so that at least one information among the amount
and/or time duration for taking out the ice, the setting completion
and the number of ice to be generated is inputted by voice signals
of the user.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cross section of the
refrigerator including the taking-out unit 200.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, a freezing chamber and a cooling chamber
are formed to be divided in a body 1 having an opened front
surface. And, at least one door 2 is included so that the freezing
chamber and the cooling chamber can be opened/closed. The door 2 is
disposed at one side of the body 1 so that another end portion is
rotatable toward a front/rear side of the body 1 with centering one
end portion.
[0032] Further, a dispenser 3 for withdrawing the ice and/or water
is included in one side of a front surface of the door 2. The
dispenser 3 operates to take out the ice or/and water without
opening the door 2. And, the dispenser 3 is formed resulting from
an inwardly concaved portion of the front surface of the door
2.
[0033] The taking-out unit 200 is included in the freezing chamber
and the door 2 so as to take out the ice according to the
number.
[0034] Further, a shelf 4 for dividing into the freezing chamber
and the cooling chamber is disposed in the freezing chamber and the
cooling chamber. A freezing cycle including a compressor 5 is
disposed at one side of the body 1. And, an inner wall of the body
1 is provided with an evaporator (not shown) and a cool air
circulating passage 6 for supplying cool air cooled by passing
through the evaporator to the freezing chamber or the cooling
chamber.
[0035] Further, the taking-out unit 200 includes an output unit 210
for outputting the ice to a withdrawal opening 212 formed at the
outer surface of the refrigerator body 1, and a sensing unit 220
for sensing the number of ice passing through the output unit
210.
[0036] The output unit 210 takes out the ice based on the amount
and/or time duration for taking out, which is inputted through the
input unit 100 by controlling of the control unit 600.
[0037] Further, the output unit 210 is formed to have a planar
sectional area larger than the largest area of one piece of ice by
a preset value so that the ice can be sequentially passed one by
one.
[0038] Further, the output unit 210 may include an opening/closing
unit 211 for controlling the output of the ice at a portion
adjacent to the withdrawal opening 212.
[0039] The opening/closing unit 211 includes a solenoid 211a
providing an opening/closing force, and a shutter 211b connected to
the solenoid 211a so as to control the output of the ice by
opening/closing the output unit 210 or to prevent heat transfer of
interior/exterior of the freezing chamber.
[0040] Further, the opening/closing unit 211, the solenoid 211a and
the shutter 211b are controlled by the control unit 600.
[0041] The sensing unit 220 is disposed on the wall of the output
unit 210 so as to face each other, respectively, and includes a
first light-emitting unit 221 emitting at least one light and a
first light-receiving unit 222 sensing the light emitted from the
first light-emitting unit 221. And, the sensing unit 220, the first
light-emitting unit 221 and the first light-receiving unit 222 are
controlled by controlling signals of the control unit 600. Also,
preferably, the first light-emitting unit 221 and the first
light-receiving unit 222 are formed with light emitting diodes, or
they can be formed with various devices.
[0042] Further, preferably, the sensing unit 220 is disposed to be
perpendicular to a direction for passing the ice at the output unit
210.
[0043] Further, the taking-out unit 200 is further provided with a
counter (not shown) for counting the time duration so that the ice
can be taken out according to the inputted time duration for taking
out.
[0044] The ice-making unit 300, as shown in FIG. 4, includes an ice
maker 310 for making ice from water by cool air and separating it,
an ice storing unit 320 for storing the ice separated from the ice
maker 310 and an ice amount detecting unit 330 for detecting the
amount of ice stored in the ice storing unit 320.
[0045] A water supply pipe 7 is led in the upper portion of the
body 1 so as to supply water for making ice to the ice maker 310.
Also, a heater 8 is disposed at an outer circumferential surface of
the water supply pipe 7. The heater 8 generates heat by a certain
temperature so as to prevent the water supply pipe 7 from being
frozen.
[0046] The ice maker 310 makes the ice by using water supplied from
the water supply pipe 7, and the ice is separated to be transferred
to the ice storing unit 320.
[0047] The ice storing unit 320 is located at a lower end of the
ice maker 310, and an ice moving unit 340 is interposed between the
ice maker 310 and the ice storing unit 320. The ice moving unit 340
transfers the ice separated from the ice maker 310 to the ice
storing unit 320. Also, the ice moving unit 340 is formed to have
the planar sectional area larger than the largest area of one piece
of ice by a preset value so that the ice can be sequentially passed
one by one.
[0048] The ice storing unit 320 stores the ice made in the ice
maker 310.
[0049] Further, a screw 351 having a spiral shape is disposed in
the ice storing unit 320. The screw 351 performs a function for
transferring the ice stored in the ice storing unit 320 to the
front side of the ice storing unit 320, that is to a shaving cutter
352 to be described below.
[0050] Further, a motor 353 is disposed at the rear side of the ice
storing unit 320. The motor 353 provides a driving force for
rotating the screw 351 and the shaving cutter 352. Also, a gearbox
354 is interposed between the rear surface of the ice storing unit
320 and the motor 353. And, a plurality of gears for increasing a
driving torque by decreasing the driving force of the motor 353 are
disposed in the gearbox 354. And, the driving speed and driving
time duration of the motor 353 are controlled by controlling
signals of the control unit 600.
[0051] Further, the shaving cutter 352 is disposed at the front
side of the ice storing unit 320. The shaving cutter 352 crashes
the transferred ice into pieces having a certain size by using the
screw 351. The shaving cutter 352 crashes the ice into pieces
having the certain size by being connected to the front end of the
screw 351 and rotated by the driving force of the motor 353.
[0052] The ice crashed by the shaving cutter 352 is transferred to
the dispenser 3 through the output unit 210.
[0053] The ice amount detecting unit 330, as shown in FIG. 5, is
provided with a plurality of light-emitting units 331, 333, 335,
337 and a plurality of light-receiving units 332, 334, 336, 338.
And the number of ice that is stored in the ice storing unit 320 is
detected through the plurality of light-emitting units 331, 333,
335, 337 and the plurality of light-receiving units 332, 334, 336,
338.
[0054] Namely, the ice maker 310 includes a ice making chamber 311
for generating the ice after receiving water through the water
supply pipe 7, a motor (not shown) disposed in the other side of
the ice making chamber 311 and an ejector 313 provided with a pin
312 for taking out the ice generated at the ice making chamber 311
to the ice storing unit 320 by being connected to the motor (not
shown) and then rotated.
[0055] The ice taken out through the ejector 313 is stored in the
ice storing unit 320 after passing through the ice moving unit
340.
[0056] The ice amount detecting unit 330 is disposed on the wall of
the ice moving unit 340 to face each other, respectively, and
includes a light-emitting unit 331 emitting light and a
light-receiving unit 332 sensing the light emitted from the
light-emitting unit 331. And, the ice amount detecting unit 330,
the light-emitting unit 331 and the light-receiving unit 332 are
controlled by controlling signals of the control unit 600.
[0057] Further, the ice amount detecting unit 330 may measure the
amount of ice stored in the ice storing unit 320 by the plurality
of light-emitting units 333, 335, 337 and the plurality of
light-receiving units 334, 336, 338, which are disposed on the wall
of the ice storing unit 320 to face each other, respectively.
[0058] The plurality of light-emitting units 333, 335, 337 and the
plurality of light-receiving units 334, 336, 338 are configured to
sensing the amount of ice stored in the ice storing unit 320 by
three steps. That is, each pair comprised of the plurality
light-emitting units 333, 335, 337 and the plurality of
light-receiving units 334, 336, 338 is implemented as a first level
sensor 333, 334, a second level sensor 335, 336, and a third level
sensor 337, 338. And, the amount of ice stored in the ice storing
unit 320 may be displayed for the user through the display unit
500, by signals sensed by the first, second and third level
sensors.
[0059] Further, the ice amount detecting unit 330 may be
implemented as more than three pairs of light-emitting units and
the light-receiving units so as to classify the amount of ice
stored in the ice storing unit 320 in more detail.
[0060] The state information storage unit 400 stores the amount
and/or time duration for taking out the ice, which is inputted by
the user.
[0061] Further, the state information storage unit 400 stores the
amount of ice stored in the ice storing unit 320 by detecting
through the ice amount detecting unit 330, or level information
detected by the level sensors 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338.
[0062] Further, the state information storage unit 400 may store
additional state information of the taking-out amount input unit
100, the taking-out unit 200, the ice-making unit 300, the display
unit 400 and the control unit 600.
[0063] The display unit 500 displays the amount and/or time
duration for taking out the ice, which is inputted by the user
through the taking-out amount input unit 100.
[0064] Further, the display unit 500 provides the user with the
state information through a display device such as a 7-segment, an
LCD panel, or the like.
[0065] Further, the display unit 500 may display the number of the
ice detected through the taking-out unit 200.
[0066] Further, the display unit 500 may display the number of the
ice stored in the ice storing unit 320, or as shown in FIG. 2,
display the amount of the ice approximately by classifying into
levels.
[0067] Further, the display unit 500; as shown in FIG. 2, is
configured to display the contents to be taken out, such as ice
cube, water, crashed ice, etc., and the contents to be taken out
can be selected by a non-shown additional input unit.
[0068] Further, the display unit 500 may be configured to display a
freezing temperature, a cooling temperature, a state of a filter
and a locking/releasing function.
[0069] Further, the display unit 500 further includes an alarming
unit 510 for notifying the user whether or not the ice storing unit
320 is filled with the ice.
[0070] The alarming unit 510 may include a lamp 511 lighted when
the ice storing unit 320 is filled with the ice.
[0071] Further, the alarming unit 510 may include an alarm
generating unit 512 generating an alarm sound when the ice storing
unit 320 is filled with the ice.
[0072] The control unit 600 takes out the ice, based on the amount
and/or time duration for taking out the ice, which is inputted
through the input unit 100.
[0073] Further, the control unit 600 compares the taking-out amount
of the ice inputted through the input unit 100 with the number of
the ice sensed through the sensing unit 220, and then controls for
the ice to be taken out based on the comparison result. That is,
the control unit 600 controls for the ice to be taken out through
the output unit 210 by the number corresponding to the taking-out
amount of the ice inputted through the input unit 100.
[0074] Further, the control unit 600, when the number of the ice
sensed by the sensing unit 220 is less than the taking-out amount
of the ice inputted through the input unit 100, controls the output
unit 210 so that the ice can be additionally taken out.
[0075] Further, the control unit 600, when the number of the ice
sensed by the sensing unit 220 is same as the taking-out amount of
the ice inputted through the input unit 100, controls the output
unit 210 so that the taking-out of the ice is stopped.
[0076] Further, the control unit 600, based on the time duration
for taking out the ice inputted through the input unit 100,
controls the taking-out unit 200 so that the ice can be taken out
for the time duration corresponding to the time duration for taking
out.
[0077] Further, the control unit 600 recognizes at least one voice
inputted through the microphone (not shown) of the input unit 100,
among the amount and/or time duration for taking out the ice, the
setting completion and the number of the ice to be generated, and
then performs the control corresponding to the recognized
contents.
[0078] Further, the control unit 600 controls the ice-making unit
300 so as for the ice to be generated by the number inputted
through the ice amount input button 140. And, when the ice storing
unit 320 is filled with the ice, the control unit 600 controls the
ice-making unit 300 so that the generation of the ice is
stopped.
[0079] Further, the control unit 600 makes the ice through the ice
maker 310 by the controlling signals of the control unit 600 and
senses the amount of ice separated to be stored in the ice storing
unit 320. And then, the sensed amount of ice is displayed through
the display unit 500.
[0080] For example, when the user sets the amount of ice stored in
the ice storing unit 320 by a second ice level of the display unit
500 through the ice amount input button 140, the ice maker 310
makes the ice until the second level sensors 335, 336 disposed at
the ice amount detecting unit 330 sense the ice, and moves the
separated ice into the ice storing unit 320. When the second level
sensors 335, 36 sense the ice after the ice continuously piles up
in the ice storing unit 320, the control unit 600 stops the
operation of the ice maker 310 so as to stop separating the ice
from the ice maker 310 to the ice storing unit 320. At the same
time, the display unit 500 displays that the amount of ice stored
in the ice storing unit 320 is in the second level, by the
controlling signal of the control unit 600. Also, the display unit
500 may generate a voice signal indicating that the amount of ice
stored in the ice storing unit 320 is in the second level by using
the control unit 600 so that the generated voice signal is
outputted to the user through the alarm generating unit 512 (as an
example, a speaker). Accordingly, the user can make and store the
ice as much as he/she wants.
[0081] Further, the control unit 600, while the ice corresponding
to the amount and/or time duration for taking out, which is
inputted through the input unit 100, is taken out through the
taking-out unit 200, if all the ice stored in the ice storing unit
320 is taken out, controls the ice-making unit 200 so that the ice
is generated. Also, the control unit 600 controls the taking-out
unit 200 so that the generated ice is taken out, corresponding to
the amount and/or time duration for taking out
[0082] Further, the contents to betaken out can be water, or ice
and water, as well as the ice. And, to take out the ice and/or
water, the disclosed components can be partially modified.
[0083] Hereafter, in accordance with the present invention, a
control method for taking out the ice of the refrigerator which is
capable of taking out the ice, based on the amount for taking out,
which is inputted by the user, will be described in detail with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.
[0084] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the control method for taking
out the ice of the refrigerator in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0085] First, the amount and/or time duration for taking out the
ice is inputted by the user through the taking-out amount setting
button 110 and the taking-out time duration setting button 120, and
displayed through the display unit 500 (S110).
[0086] Hereafter, the ice corresponding to the inputted amount
and/or time duration for taking out is taken out through the
taking-out unit 200 by controlling of the control unit 600.
[0087] Here, the ice taken out through the taking-out unit 200 is
outputted through the withdrawal opening 212 formed at the outer
surface of the refrigerator. And, the sensing unit 220 is disposed
at the right and left sides of the withdrawal opening 212 so that
the number of outputted ice or the time duration for taking out the
ice is counted. Also, the counted number of ice or time duration
for outputting the ice is displayed through the display unit
500.
[0088] Further, during the taking-out of the ice, if there is no
ice stored in the ice storing unit 320, the control unit 600
controls the ice-making unit 300 so that the ice is generated.
Then, the control unit 600 controls the taking-out unit 200 to
enable to output the ice corresponding to the inputted amount
and/or time duration for taking out, and then outputs the generated
ice (S120).
[0089] Hereafter, the counted number of ice or time duration for
taking out the ice is compared with the inputted amount and/or time
duration for taking out the ice (S130). And, until the counted
number of ice or time duration for taking out the ice is same as
the inputted amount and/or time duration for taking out the ice,
the control unit 600 continuously outputs the ice by controlling
the taking-out unit 200.
[0090] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the control method for taking
out the ice of the refrigerator in accordance with a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0091] First, the amount and/or time duration for taking out the
ice is inputted through the taking-out amount setting button 110
and the taking-out time duration setting button 120, or the amount
of ice to be stored is inputted through the ice amount setting
button 140, by the user, and then the inputted amount and/or time
duration for taking out the ice, or the amount of ice to be stored
is displayed through the display unit 500 (S210).
[0092] Hereafter, it is determined that the inputted value
corresponds to the amount of ice to be stored (S220). As a result
of the determination, if the inputted value corresponds to the
amount of ice to be stored, the ice is made and separated
corresponding to the inputted amount so that the separated ice is
stored in the ice storing unit 320.
[0093] Also, through the ice amount detecting unit 330, the amount
of ice stored in the ice storing unit 320 is detected. And, the
control unit 600 controls the ice-making unit 300 so that the ice
is made and separated, until the detected amount of ice is same as
the user-inputting amount of the ice to be stored (S230).
[0094] Hereafter, the number of ice stored in the ice storing unit
320 is displayed through the display unit 500.
[0095] Also, it is alarmed whether or not the ice storing unit 320
is filled with the ice by lighting up the lamp, or the alarm sound
is generated to be outputted to the user through the alarm
generating unit 512 (S240).
[0096] As a result of the determination, if the inputted value does
not correspond to the amount of ice to be stored, the ice
corresponding to the inputted amount and/or time duration for
taking out is taken out through the taking-out unit 290 by
controlling of the control unit 600. And then, the amount or time
duration for taking out the ice is counted so that the step S120
displaying through the display unit 500 is performed.
[0097] Hereafter, the counted number of ice or time duration for
outputting the ice is compared with the inputted amount and/or time
duration for taking out the ice (S260). And then, the control unit
600 controls the taking-out unit 200 so that the ice is
continuously outputted, until the counted number of ice or time
duration for taking out the ice is same as the inputted amount
and/or time duration for taking out the ice.
[0098] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the control method for taking
out the ice of the refrigerator in accordance with a third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0099] First, the control unit 600, when the amount of ice stored
in the ice storing unit 320 is less than a first standard amount
preset by the user, controls the ice-making unit 300 so that the
ice is made or separated by the second standard amount preset by
the user, or when the number of ice to be stored is inputted by the
user, the ice corresponding to the inputted number is made and
separated, and then the separated ice is stored in the ice storing
unit 320. Here, the second standard amount is same as the amount of
the first standard amount or more (S310).
[0100] Hereafter, the amount or level of the ice stored in the ice
storing unit 320 is sensed so that the sensed amount or level of
the ice is displayed through the display unit 500.
[0101] Also, it may be alarmed whether or not the ice storing unit
320 is filled with the ice by lighting up the lamp, or the alarm
sound may be generated to be outputted to the user through the
alarm generating unit 512 (S320).
[0102] Hereafter, the ice corresponding to the amount and/or time
duration for taking out, which is inputted through the input unit
100, is taken out through the taking-out unit 200 by controlling of
the control unit 600. And then, the amount or time duration for
taking out the ice is counted so that the step S120 displaying
through the display unit 500 is performed.
[0103] Hereafter, the counted number of ice or time duration for
outputting the ice is compared with the inputted amount and/or time
duration for taking out the ice (S350). And then, the control unit
600 controls the taking-out unit 200 so that the ice is
continuously outputted, until the counted number of ice or time
duration for taking out the ice is same as the inputted amount
and/or time duration for taking out the ice.
[0104] As the present invention may be embodied in several forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof, it should also be understood that the above-described
embodiments are not limited by any of the details of the foregoing
description, unless otherwise specified, but rather should be
construed broadly within its spirit and scope as defined in the
appended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that
fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalence of
such metes and bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the
appended claims.
EFFECT OF THE INVENTION
[0105] As aforementioned in detail, the present invention enables
the user to make and store the ice as much as he/she wants, by
taking out the ice corresponding to the amount and/or time duration
for taking out, which is inputted by the user.
[0106] Further, the present invention enables to provide the user
with convenience in use, by displaying whether or not the ice is
full for the user when the ice storing unit is filled with the
separated ice which is stored therein.
[0107] Further, the present invention enables to provide the user
with convenience in use, by being configured to display the amount
or level of the ice stored in the ice storing unit.
* * * * *